The NAAMBA National ERG Council hosted its 2nd Annual Asian ERG Summit at the 3rd Annual NAAMBA Leadership Conference & Exposition, September 8-10, 2011 in New York City.

Building on the momentum generated at the 1st Annual Asian ERG Summit in 2010, this Summit sought to advance Council’s mission, vision and the Conference theme of Leadership to New Heights! by bringing together Asian ERGs from across the country to connect and engage in powerful discussions on the unique value proposition of Asian ERGs, their needs, the challenges they face, and provide solutions to effectively develop and sustain ERGs in the corporate landscape.

Message from the Council Co-Chair

Calvin Chung
Director of Construction, Target Corporation

Organizational diversity and inclusion is vital to maintaining relevance with top talent, customers, and the community. Ultimately, effective ERGs drive performance and add to an organization’s bottom line. The focus on Asian ERGs is gaining momentum and there is a need to create a platform for knowledge and best practices to be shared and leveraged. The NAAMBA National ERG Council is taking small, but important, steps to establish a sustainable forum to share our experiences, to grow current and future leaders and to build a structure to influence the issues impacting Asian professionals. This is an exciting time when many organizations are laying the foundation of diversity and inclusion strategies that will impact their organization’s culture and profitability for years to come.

Summit Agenda Overview

In a concerted effort to speak to the existing needs of the Asian ERGs across the country, earlier this year, the Council Leaders met to set the agenda for the Summit. This agenda builds on the concerns and needs expressed by ERG Leaders at the inaugural Summit last year and seeks to provide concrete solutions to the challenges facing ERGs.

The Summit consisted of remarks by the Council Co-Chair on Thursday, September 8 at the Conference Kick-Off, followed by robust panel discussions at the Leadership Conference on Friday, September 9.

Summit Agenda Details

Day 1: Thursday, September 8, 2011
Summit Commencement
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Venue: Princeton Club of New York

The Summit commenced at the Conference Kick-Off on Thursday, September 8, 2011. Attendees heard from the Council Co-Chair who delivered remarks on the mission and the work of the Council. This was also an opportunity for attendees to network with the Council Leaders and learn how they could be a part of the Council and NAAMBA!

Day 2: Friday, September 9, 2011

Summit Panel Discussion 1

Topic: Asian Employee Resource Group (ERG) Value Proposition Synopsis

Time: 10:50 am - 12:50 pm, Concurrent Seminars & Professional Development Workshop 1, Session B Room: Carnegie/Lyceum (5th Floor, Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway, New York, 10036)

Summit Panel Discussion 2

Topic: Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): A "How-To" Session on Developing and Sustaining ERGs 

Time: 3:50 pm - 5:00 pm, Concurrent Seminars & Professional Development Workshop 3, Session B Room: Carnegie/Lyceum (5th Floor, Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway, New York, 10036)

For panel details, please click here.

Panel Format & Length

All conference panels were 60-70 minutes in length, including Q & A session and took place during concurrent sessions. Each panel consisted of a moderator and 3-4 panelists.